Survival in the Extreme North

Norway is a country in the extreme northwest in Europe.  Most of the Norwegian inhabitants live on the coasts, on the fjords, or in the valleys between the mountains.  The most northern part of Norway is actually in the Arctic Circle.  The first article in the July, 1930, issue of National Geographic Magazine is "Norway, a Land of Stern Reality: Where Descendants of the Sea Kings of Old Triumphed Over Nature and Wrought a Nation of Arts and Crafts."  Alfred Pearce Dennis, Ph.D, LL.D, is the author.

FYI, definitions: fjord: a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes.  Fjells: the mountains in Norway.  In no way do these explanations do the country justice. "The Sogne Fjord is 112 miles long, four miles wide and, on an average, its greatest depth is around 4,000 feet.  In the Viking Age it was a highway to the ocean and many a high-prowed dragon ship cut its waters" (photo caption, p. 16).  Many photos in this issue show tall cliffs very near the water in the fjords.  The mountains also have their advantages: "In water power, Norway leads all Europe" (photo caption, p. 13).

The Norsemen were great seamen, fishermen, and adventurers. A thousand years and more ago, they traveled to Britain, Iceland, Gaul, Ireland, Russia, Italy, and Sicily. Their chief gods were Odin, the God of Battle, and Thor, the God of Thunder.  "To the cultured and the Christian peoples of Europe, these pagan, marauders were the scourge of God sweeping down from the North, the land of night and wonder, the terrible unknown. . .from pirates they became colonizers. . .a case of redundant population outrunning sustenance" (p. 29). 

One country appreciated their visits. "In 1874 Icelanders celebrated the thousandth anniversary of the settlement of Iceland by Norsemen . . .Greenland was colonized about a century later . .  .The shores of America had been reached by Leif Ericsson early in the eleventh century, more than 400 years in advance of Columbus"  (p. 31).

Norway's weather is more pleasant than we would expect due to the "warm Atlantic drift from the Gulf Stream" which "supplies Norway with both climate and fish" (p. 8). There are fewer sunny days due to the average rainfall of 200 days per year.  Yet, in 1930, Norway had to import most of its food.  Only approximately 3% of the land was under cultivation.

The fishing industry centered on cod, herring, and the whales.  At that time, their vessels at sea not only caught and killed an incredible number of whales, they had factory-ships which then processed the whales at sea.  "Every part but the "blow" is utilized."  On the ships, they could "slice and chop a whale in two hours.  Whale oil is used for soap, butter substitutes, for currying leather, and in latching flax and jute;  also as a lubricant for machinery" (photo caption, p. 22). 

Mr. Dennis had great praise for the education system of Norway.  "So well-organized is the school system of Norway that illiteracy is practically non-existent" (photo caption, p. 17).

"Skiing is Norway's national sport" (photo caption, p. 10).  This article had many color photographs of the beautiful artwork, especially embroidery, accomplished in Norway.  Who knows, with a last name like 'Jurgensen,' maybe I have an ancestor from Norway!